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Hello ando, correct, but it can integrate with a PC to serve as a DAW.If you are looking for something like that, the Roland Juno Gi has a built 8 track digital recorder that you can master on etc..I have had mine for 2 years and have been able to do finished recordings/masters on it.However, I will say I prefer Krome/Kronos sounds

Would you say that the overall decay of the main piano sounds are on par with Roland's Supernaturals?

They're different. I think Krome decays are quicker, and so slightly less realistic in this respect. Presumably, this is to eke out memory resources. However, they do sound pretty natural - just not quite supernatural!

_________________________"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"

Thanks for your comments on the Krome, Vox. That prompted me to go off and watch the long demos again (the Japanese and British ones) and it looks like the overall functionality hits the sweet spot for my boat piano. It's bigger than I wanted, so some surgery is in order, but I think I can shoehorn it in.

The audio environment aboard is a Fusion IP-700 marine stereo with multiple zones and a local sub, as well as a Crown XLS1000 (overkill, but what the heck). Can't use normal powered monitors, which is a shame as I have two pair of KRK Rokits on my old Roland, so I'm still trying to choose space-constrained box speakers for the near field above the studio console. There's an Edirol M-16DX mixer in the space, as well as a Tascam porta-studio, dedicated iMac for Logic and SW pianos, looper, and voice effects processor.

Given the recent introduction of the Krome, do you think there is any reason to wait for NAMM, whether for an alternative, an upgrade, or pricing dips in response to other new products? You know, GAS... me want. Now.

Given the recent introduction of the Krome, do you think there is any reason to wait for NAMM, whether for an alternative, an upgrade, or pricing dips in response to other new products?

It's only two weeks to wait!

Apart from its bulk and workstation pretensions - neither of which I need - the Krome seems to be the only thing on the horizon for the time being that offers top-quality pianos in a lightweight form. I've heard of nothing in the pipeline that is likely to better it. The SV-2 is vaporware. The Physis is vaporware (and heavier). Yamaha might produce a surprise, but I'm not holding my breath. Roland might have something up its sleeve, who knows, but it's probably going to be repackaged SN if it's anything. I don't see anything other than the new VPC controller for Kawai, and Nord's already shot its bolt with the Electro 4.

Edit: there is possibly going to be a new stage piano from Studiologic, but they'd have to convince me that they've sorted out their software and support issues.

Edited by voxpops (01/13/1306:33 PM)

_________________________"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"

Excellent crystal ballage... thanks! (And yah, I can probably wait two more weeks; it's not like I have a shortage of projects. *sigh*

The workstation part appeals to me and I like the UI, though there is certainly some redundancy when it's parked next to a computer. Still, stand-alone functionality appeals...

The bulk is a huge issue for me, however (someone called it a battleship, which sorta fits). If I pull the trigger on this one, it will be with the expectation that it will be repackaged to fit the space... I don't want to hijack this thread, but it's really tight and the planned drawer-mount would not work with a stock Krome. I might rack-mount the whole panel and put the keyboard/joystick in a tidy little box. I'm sure that would not affect the warranty.

Maybe I can play one first in Seattle when I go down for the boat show, which is about the same time as NAMM...

Edit: Mmmm, been doing some more research... I dunno about Krome. Think I will wait that 2 weeks to see what's a-comin'.

Edit 2: Speaking of support issues... yes, I've heard that a lot about Studiologic, but I'm also hearing it about Korg. Cryptic one-liner or no response at all to tech support questions, according to various forum posts. Have you had any reason to test this yet? I like the culture of the company and the design of the board, and the touchscreen UI is vastly more appealing to me than a tiny display with deep menus.

Edit 3: Is the Krome not MIDI class-compliant? I see they offer drivers... kind of annoying if so. My RD-700SX requires a driver on the Mac, and is totally ignored by the iPad. In the Krome manual: "Before you connect the KROME to your computer via USB, you must install the KORG USB‐MIDI driver on your computer."

Just completed my first gig with the Krome. Generally, I am very pleased with it. I need to work on the APs a little, as they can seem a little strident, but overall it sounded pretty good, and I had no problem with the action, which responded well. However, I was aware of the potential for sweaty fingers slipping on the key surface.

The only other slight negative was in patch selection. I discovered that with a second board above the Krome, the whole of the panel to the right of the screen disappeared into blackness. I couldn't see the buttons themselves, or their designations. I wish manufacturers would think about the practicalities involved with the use of their boards.

Generally I think the Krome is an excellent board at a good price, but for gigging I would prefer those piano sounds in the form of an SV-2. Maybe next week will bring some good news...

_________________________"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"

Krome, the whole of the panel to the right of the screen disappeared into blackness. I couldn't see the buttons themselves, or their designations. I wish manufacturers would think about the practicalities involved with the use of their boards.

This is a chronic problem with Korg. The M50 was likewise covered with black-on-black buttons. At one point, the M50 was available in alternate colors which were much better, but they only did that on the 61. The Kronos is pretty bad this way too.

Korg isn't alone though... Casio PX3 is bad (and older Privias in the x00 and x10 series were fine). The Yamaha XF is pretty bad (the MOX is much better).

_________________________
"I'm still an idiot and I'm still in love" - Blue Sofa - The Plugz 1981 (Tito Larriva) Disclosure : I am professionally associated with Arturia but my sentiments are my own only.

A word of caution for those of you who like to keep their gear looking nice. Simply by having a small clip-on plastic light attached to a card file resting on the metal/plastic surface of the Krome's fascia, I managed to scratch both the metal and plastic. The black paint rubs off the aluminum very easily.

Also, I found the Krome's mammoth dimensions awkward to deal with in a packed club. The reggae band that followed us had an SV1 and an Electro 3 - noticeably easier to deal with.

Neither of these points take anything away from the Krome's worth as an instrument, but they are things to be aware of when contemplating a purchase.

_________________________"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"

On my Juno Gi, I took the user bank and put my top 7-8 variations consecutively to have quick access.I was in NYC yesterday and tried out a variety of different pre-NAMM options/items including consoles/heavyweight stage/slabs and found the Krome 88 to be high up on my list.

I still though might get the 61 and instead put the difference toward something comprable to a P155 it is introduced.

I also tried the F120 and was pleased with the power.I do realize Tim Praskins did not recommend it in his blog, but it had some of the things that were important to me